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Velociraptor (Film Universe)
There are three distinct variations of Velociraptor which were cloned by InGen, not counting sexual dimorphism seen within each individual version. However, despite the surface level variations, each sub-species remains relatively similiar in terms of physical attributes. Each species is roughly 6 feet tall…

The Dinosaurs of Jurassic World Are Both Male and Female, and They’re Breeding

When John Hammond dreamed up the idea of Jurassic Park in the later years of the 20th century, he thought he had control of the future. “We control their chromosomes, it’s really not that difficult,” Dr. Henry Wu (Hammond’s ‘Chief Geneticist’), proudly proclaimed, going on to mock Dr. Malcolm “You’re implying that a group comprised entirely of females will…breed?” Little did he or John Hammond know what lack of control they truly had on this expansive and ultimately impossible idea. Sure, Jurassic World boasted roughly 10 years of control over these animals – but – “You never had control. That’s the illusion.”

In the beginning of the franchise, we’re told that all the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park are female. This is because, as Wu says, “all vertebrate embryos are inherently female, anyway. They just require an extra hormone given at the right developmental stage to make them male. We simply deny them that.”, ultimately displaying the ignorance and arrogance Jurassic Park is showcasing. Hammond and his team of scientists were trying to force nature into what would end up being a very unnatural state. “Life finds a way,” as Dr. Malcolm puts it, nature fights back, and he is proven correct.

As you know, later in the film, Dr. Grant and the kids come across velociraptor eggs. Eggs mean reproduction. In vertebrate species, reproduction typically means males and females (though in certain scenarios with some vertebrates asexual reproduction is possible). However, as we discovered that from the very start, there always have been both males and females in Jurassic Park, though they’re not always distinguishable via sexual dimorphism. The Lost World confirms the dinosaurs are reproducing sexually, distinguishing the sexes of the animals with the Tyrannosaurs and Velociraptors. We’re introduced to the fact that male Tyrannosaurs are green, while the females are brown – further, male Velociraptors are brighter orange with distinct tiger-like stripes. Later, in Jurassic Park III we’re introduced to new raptors, where the males have a stripe running down the sides of their back (a feature later reflected in Velociraptor Blue) and feather-like quills. The females are more white in appearance. (This makes sense because – no offense ladies – in nature, males are usually more vibrant, like cardinals for example. This is because the females are usually the ones doing the hunting and protection of their young, and so for these reasons, they need to be more dull in color and blend in better to their surroundings.)

So what’s the deal with the dinos in Jurassic World? While Jurassic World established that the Raptors, Mosasaur and Indominus are female, we do know that there were also males, and controlled breeding, like in today’s zoos. This tweet from writer/director Colin Trevorrow himself spells it out:

Jurassic World had controlled breeding, like modern zoos. The dinosaur population on the island has grown since the park fell…

This information from Colin Trevorrow confirms that between Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the animals were breeding on Isla Nublar. In Fallen Kingdom, there’s an Allosaurus that is literally called a “juvenile” Allosaurus, and you can also see various baby Triceratops several times. If you’re reading this and thinking you were the only one who thought that the animals were all female, don’t worry, you are not alone. Strangely, numerous instances of licensed material for the franchise have stated that all Jurassic World dinosaurs are female. Mattel has referred to the male “buck” rex as female, for instance, while ‘Jurassic World: The Evolution of Claire’ has also claimed all animals to be female. (Side bar: I’d love to see male and female distinction in the games, and even a “controlled breeding” element. This could be risky territory – I just want to see baby dinos, can you blame me!?)

This makes the ending of Fallen Kingdom all the more significant: now that the animals are on the mainland, they will continue to breed. There obviously aren’t multiple rexes or raptors released from Lockwoods estate, so their reproductive options are limited. However, there were multiple ankylosaurs, ceratopsians, theropods, sauropods, and others released into North America that will certainly have the chance to reproduce naturally.

I am interested to see how the animals will repopulate in the Americas as invasive species, if that is something that Colin Trevorrow decides to explore. The key for combatting this invasive species threat will be response time to their capture. Compies would likely be impossible to locate and capture – there could be thousands running around after a few years. Conversely, some of the larger animals will be easier to isolate and capture with the help of the technological forces of the 21st century. With the amount of animals that were released from Lockwood’s estate, there certainly had to be a few males and females of most of the species and they will have the ability, if given the opportunity, to breed. After all, they’ve always been male and female, and breeding – ever since 1993.

If you ever forget that, just remember the words from Owen. “They’re thinkin’ I gotta eat…I gotta hunt…I gotta…”

Oh no I didn’t mean it that way, I’m very glad this was written up because of the reasons you stated! I was merely trying to support this article by showing that the filmmakers have had this in mind from the beginning and wasn’t just thought up for Fallen Kingdom.

Totally understood! It’s kinda funny, because this websites core audience is looking and going “well, obviously” – it’s easy to forget we have a lot of casual fans out there also who are still interested in learning more.

One thing I liked about Fallen Kingdom was the two distinct Carnotaurus. I’m willing to bet that the red Nublar Carno is a female, while the black Mainland Carno is male (as further indicated by its broken horns.) It’s a really nice detail that I’m glad they implemented.

I don’t mind merchandising using female pronouns by default for the animals, but it’s been pretty silly to continue to insist the animals are all female by default, I agree. I’m surprised it’s been so latched on to since Trevorrow’s been open about it more than once, but it seems to be part of Universal’s franchise planning.

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JO.COM: Episode 74

The Coca-Cola London Eye

After a brief hiatus the InGeneral podcast is back! Chris and Jack sit down to discuss our exclusive interview with Colin Trevorrow and share our thoughts on where we think the third Jurassic World movie will take us!

JO.COM: Episode 73

Fallen Kingdom… Let’s Talk To It

At long last we are sharing our thoughts on Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom! This year has been the year to be a Jurassic fan, not only was Jurassic Park 5 released in cinemas, the original movie that started it all is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary. With plenty of activity this year and for years to come, Alex, Ryan and Jack discuss their take on Fallen Kingdom, and discuss the possible story paths that Jurassic World 3 may take.

JO.COM: Episode 72

Remind Me to Thank John For a Lovely Weekend

The Outpost boys are back together after their fun filled, emotional week long adventure in California together. When the Philly crew gets back together, wild things happen, especially if its during Jurassic Park’s 25th Anniversary Event at Universal Studios LA. We recount our time there and share some stories from the whole trip. Make sure you stayed tuned for the roach story and chlorine poisioning story. With Fallen Kingdom coming out in mere days or weeks, we go over some news and talk more about the footage we saw at the event.

JO.COM: Episode 71

The Outpost Hits Up LA

Asees and Alex are here for the last episode before the gang is back together in sunny Los Angeles for a week! In this ep, the boys talk some news we’ve missed including a special rendition of the amazing Cinema Con footage that was shown off. Get ready for Asees’ bad…I mean passable Star Wars dialogue.

JO.COM: Episode 70

Mattel Eats Hasbro, Toys Inherit the Earth

Your boys are back from break! And what a time to come back. This is all final trailer talk! There is a ton of analysis and in depth frame/ pixel searching here Asees has a change of heart and is literally sweating with how much he loves the trailer. Chris likes dinosaurs…still! Jack and Alex tag team some The Lost World quotes! Most importantly Asees shows off his Attack of the Clones dialogue skills for the boys.

JO.COM: Episode 69

Mattel Eats Hasbro, Toys Inherit the Earth

Chris is joined with See Jurassic Right’s host Steven Ray Morris! This is Steven’s second time joining us on the show, and in this one, the two get down to business in discussing the chills and thrills from New York Toy Fair, where Mattel revealed the upcoming Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom toyline!

JO.COM: Episode 68

You Bring the Scientist, I Bring the Boyband

Dad Ryan is back with his “soothing voice”, and he’s joined by Chris. Uh oh, that is TWO dino nuts on the podcast at the same time. Buckle up. Ryan reveals some shocking revelation about this past before the boys get into a more level headed discussion about the trailer. And it wouldn’t be a podcast unless we touched on new information about merch! YOU LIKE POP FIGURES?!?! Ya you do because everyone does…except Asees since he hates everything. Also, we touch on fan expectations about the series. Get ready for the super bowl spots!

JO.COM: Episode 67

Chris Blacklists Himself

We’re back! It is finally time to discuss the polarizing first Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom trailer. We’ve put it off long enough and spoiler alert, we dislike the trailer or are mixed on it. Does it have a few cool shots? Sure. But it is still worrying. The original three boys also drop some key tidbits about the past movie and the new one…maybe a new character’s name? Maybe we tell you if there are any wild raptors on Nublar…listen to find out.